WI River Outings

WI River Outings Canoe Rentals

Some people just want to do it on their own...and the WI River is the perfect place to do just that.  Rent one of our high quality canoes for half a day or up to 7 days paddling a section of the Lower Wisconsin River.  With the current rolling along at roughly 3 mph, it will take approximately 30 hours to paddle the entire 92 miles of the Lower Wisconsin River.

Camp Along the Way on the Sand Bars

Camp on the sand bars in the center of the river along the way.  No permits are needed.  Glass and fireworks are strictly prohibited.  Please practice "Leave No Trace."

About our Canoes

We have worked very hard since 2003 to provide the best canoes available in the state of Wisconsin.  We choose the manufacturer that provides the bulk of the canoes for the Boundary Waters and has been tested over time...Wenonah Canoe.  We've settled on the Adirondack model, 16' long, quiet roylex construction, comfortable webbed seats and light. If you've never paddled a higher end canoe you will be surprised by what you've been missing. Everyday we have folks come off the water amazed at the difference a canoe can make.

Canoe Rental Rates

Our canoes are designed to hold 2 adults and 1 child under 70 lbs.  The rental rate includes life vests (PFD), paddles and transportation of 16 miles up river from Boscobel to Muscoda and 25 miles down river from Sauk City to Spring Green.  Additional transportation is $2/river mile, one way.

Canoe Rental Packing List - PDF    River Info and Maps

• The Big-Ka-Hoon-A Trip
  Paddle from our Sauk City location to the town of Wyalusing on the Mississippi River, 92 miles.  All inclusive: Price includes canoes and transport for as many days as you need, figure 5-7 days paddling.
  $290, plus tax, $150 for each additional canoe
  
  Please call 866.41.CANOE to book
• The Lil-Ka-Hoon-A Trip
  Paddle from our Sauk City location to our second location in Boscobel, 60 miles.  All inclusive: Price includes canoes and transport for as many days as you need, figure 3-5 days paddling.
  $200, plus tax, $100 for each additional canoe
  
  Please call 866.41.CANOE to book
• 3 Rivers Trip
  You'll come to our Boscobel location and we'll shuttle you up the Kickapoo River. You'll paddle 9 miles on the Kickapoo, 21 miles on the Wisconsin and 10 miles on the Mississippi River.  All inclusive: Price includes canoes and transport for as many days as you need, figure 3-5 days paddling.
  $165, plus tax, $90 for each additional canoe
  
  Please call 866.41.CANOE to book
• Boomerang Trip
  Day Trip, Paddle from our location either up or down river and back.
  $27.00, plus tax per canoe
  
  Please call 866.41.CANOE to book
• Single Day Canoe Rentals
  Based on calendar days, 2 adults and 1 child under 70 lbs. 
  Vest, paddle, and a portion of transportation included in price.  At our Sauk City location we require that you be on the water by 11 AM in order to make the bus trip back up river.
  $45.00, plus tax per canoe
    Boscobel 8 mile
    Boscobel 16 mile
  
  Please call to book for Sauk City
• Multi Day Canoe Rental
  Based on calendar days, 2 adults and 1 child under 70 lbs.
  Vest, paddle, and a portion of transportation included in price - call or email for details.
  $35.00 per day, plus tax per canoe
  Boscobel Multiday
  
  Please call to book for Sauk City

Payment Info
Reservations are taken with balance due on Visa, MasterCard or Discover.  100% refund with cancellations 7 days prior to the start of your rental date.  After 7 days, a canoe rental credit good for the same paddling season will be issued, which can also be redeemed as a gift certificate.
Once your paddle hits the water, there are no refunds or credits.

Weather/Rain Policy 
First and foremost, paddling is a wilderness experience so we do expect you to have rain gear and be prepared. We will not come pick you up early from your trip because it has started raining and you chose not to come prepared.

If you decide to cancel within 7 days of your start date because of rain in the forecast, Wisconsin River Outings will provide you with a same season paddle credit.  That credit may be used at any time during the current season, based on availability.

Providing you arrive at our location, if there is lightning at NOON on the day of your departure, we will not put you on the water and we will give you a full refund. If you cancel over the phone, we will give you a same season paddle credit only.

Lightening Safety Tips

There's a very good chance you'll find yourself on the river when a summer storm rolls through.  Here are some tips to help you come through the experience unscathed. 

The Following Lightning Safety Guidelines Have Been Adapted and Excerpted from "The National Outdoor Leadership Schools Wilderness Guide" by Mark Harvey (1999)

1. Stay off high peaks and ridges. The higher you are, the greater the chance of getting struck.
2. Stay away from shallow caves and overhangs. Although they may look safe, the electricity can jump these small gaps and electrocute you.
3. Stay away from lone, tall objects like single trees in an open field. They are likely to be hit, and you could be hit by the ground current. If you can't avoid this situation, then crouch in the "cone of protection". Project a line from the lone object, often a tree, at a 45 degree angle. This forms an imaginary circle around the object that you should stay at.
4. Avoid metal objects and bodies of water. They are good conductors and can attract lightning. This includes metal pack frames, trekking poles, aluminum canoes, tent poles, etc.
5. If you are in a group, separate yourselves by at least 30 feet. That way, others can give first aid if one person is struck. If you stay in one big bunch, then there will be nobody to help if you all get struck.
6. Avoid wide open spaces. You are at a greater risk of being struck if you are the only thing around. The best place to be during a lightning storm is in a large group of trees.
7. Assume the Lightning position by insulating yourself from the ground with your sleeping pad. This will help with ground current, which is what kills most people in lightning-related accidents. Crouch on this pad with your toes pointing downhill and your heels together. This will allow the current to run through your feet rather than your whole body in the event that the ground current finds you.